Scotty McCreery put his hometown, Garner, N.C., on the map in many ways during his journey to victory in Fox's ultra-popular television show, "American Idol."
Scotty McCreery was 6-1 as a JV pitcher
his sophomore season.
Photo courtesy of Derik Goffena
First of all, according to an Associated Press story, he has been guaranteed at least $250,000 for winning the show and recording his first album. Much more will come from endorsements.
The
Garner Magnet High School junior not only received a new car from Ford Motor Company, but he was able to choose his favorite teacher, choral director Meredith Clayton, to receive a 2012 Ford Focus.
In addition, Garner Magnet received $10,000 from Ford in conjunction with its national Drive One 4 UR test-drive school program, which made a stop at the school.
Many residents made at least one trip to watch Idol live. Included was McCreery's Blue Crew - friends who played baseball and sang in the choir with him.
Clayton, who received an expenses-paid trip to the Idol finale, told MaxPreps, "I couldn't be prouder. I was thrilled by this opportunity for him. He was never in the bottom three. I think America fell in love with Scotty. He's a well-rounded All-American boy.
"It was a thrilling experience. I was very blessed just to attend and to support my student. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing. He handled everything very well. He is very mature for his age."
Scotty McCreery with his school's choral
director Meredith Clayton during a send-
off before the American Idol headed to
Hollywood.
Photo courtesy of Janie Timberlake
The 28-year-old Clayton said she "had no idea about the car. It was a complete shock and surprise."
The adoration McCreery received from fans and friends in North Carolina during a short Homecoming before the finals definitely shocked the humble country crooner. He broke into tears several times while throngs of new fans screamed and cheered his every move.
Meanwhile, Garner baseball coach Derik Goffena can only wonder how much better this year's 12-13 record would have been if McCreery had been able to pitch this spring. He, of course, missed his entire junior season while performing in Los Angeles.
McCreery posted a 6-1 record on the JV team as a sophomore and pitched well during the summer.
"It's really hard to speculate," Goffena said. "He definitely would have helped us. Technically, he could come back (as a senior), but personally I don't expect him back. I think he's going to be pretty tied up for awhile. I'm just going to sit back and let him do whatever he wants."
